Hart grad's art to be shown in U.S. Capitol

A mixed-media painting created by a recent Hart High School graduate will be on display in an alcove at the nation's Capitol for the next year as part of "An Artistic Discovery," a program sponsored by members of Congress to honor the artistic talent of America's youth.

This year's theme was patriotism, and Yeon Whan Yoon's winning entry, "For Which She Stands" was inspired by Norman Rockwell's "Golden Rule."

"Honestly, I was really surprised that I won, because I didn't put as much effort as I should have into it," Yoon said. "After I got over the surprise, I was really honored."

Yoon started the project in art class after his teacher, Mary Fragodt, told him about the competition. Then he finished it up over spring break.

"I thank God, because He gave me this talent, but I also thank my art teacher, because I'm not the type of person to just try something like this, but she really pushed me to do it," Yoon said.

Fragodt said the honor could not have been bestowed on a nicer guy.

"Yeon is a very positive influence on the other students," Fragodt said. "He's inspiring, and he always brings out the best in everyone."

Yoon said his family was very proud, especially his grandfather because of his Korean culture.

"He told me he was proud of me because I honored the family name," Yoon said.

As part of his prize, Yoon will travel to Washington, D.C. this month to attend the exhibit opening and tour the Capitol with local Congressman Howard P. "Buck" Mckeon. He has a full scholarship to study art at the Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles this fall, and plans to major in toy design.

"Yeon is not only talented in drawing and painting, but also in sculpture, which is unusual," Fragodt said. "He's an exceptionally talented young man, and he really deserves this."